System and method for device valuation

ABSTRACT

Described herein is a platform and method for providing a device valuation for an electronic device based on parameter values of the electronic device. The method may comprise obtaining a model information of the electronic device and identifying a base value of the electronic device. In some embodiments, a device specific performance evaluation may be executed on a hardware component contained with the electronic device. Upon execution of the performance evaluation, a set of parameter values may be generated using input collected with respect to the performance evaluation. A valuation of the electronic device may subsequently be generated based upon the base value and the set of parameter values.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

NOT APPLICABLE

BACKGROUND

Consumers purchase and use numerous electronic devices and appliances.With the evolution of the “Internet of Things,” these devices arebecoming increasingly self-aware and capable of communication usingcommonly understood networking protocols. However, they are also often“sunk cost” depreciating assets in a typical consumer's home orbusiness, offering little to no value, short of an active effort tomanually attempt to sell or otherwise monetize these electronic devices.Even then, in a manual sale offer, the condition of these devices isoften difficult to ascertain or verify visually by a prospective buyer.This is the case even when the technical specifications of the deviceare known, as there is still no way to guarantee that the device isfunctioning to manufacturing specifications. This functionality (or alack thereof) would presumably impact the device's resale value.

Additionally, it may be difficult for a user to ascertain theappropriate time to discard or replace an electronic device. Forexample, the functionality of a particular electronic device maydecrease even as newer versions of the device become faster, moreresilient, and/or more efficient. It may be difficult to determinewhether the cost of replacement for the electronic device is offset bythe increased functionality of a new device.

Embodiments of the invention address these and other problems,individually and collectively.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a platform for generating adevice valuation for an electronic device based at least in part on afunctionality assessment of the electronic device. In this disclosure, aresident software module may be executed from an execution environmentof an electronic device in order to assess the electronic device'sperformance. A base value may be calculated for the electronic devicebased on model information. The electronic device's performance iscompared to the electronic device's technical specifications andexpected performance to calculate an appropriate value from the basevalue.

One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method comprisingreceiving a request for a device valuation associated with an electronicdevice. The method also includes obtaining a model information for theelectronic device; and identifying a base value for the electronicdevice based at least in part on the model information. Then, inresponse to causing execution of a device-specific performanceevaluation upon a hardware component contained within the electronicdevice, the method includes generating a set of parameter values basedupon the execution of said device-specific performance evaluation.Thereafter, an assessment of the electronic device may be generatedbased at least in part on the generated set of parameter values and thebase value.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a server computercomprising a processor and computer-readable medium coupled to theprocessor, where the computer-readable medium comprises code, executableby the processor, for performing a method. The method comprisesdetermining a base value associated with the electronic device andobtaining specification values associated with the electronic device.The method further comprises executing a performance evaluation toobtain one or more parameter values and determining, by comparing theone or more parameter values to the specification values, a valueadjustment. The method may comprise generating a device valuation forthe electronic device based at least in part on the base value and thevalue adjustment.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method comprisingreceiving a request to provide a device valuation and obtaining a modelinformation associated with the electronic device. The method furthercomprises sending an instruction to the electronic device to initiate aperformance evaluation, and in response, receiving a set of parametervalues associated with a functionality of the electronic device. Themethod may then comprise determining, based on the model information, abase value associated with the electronic device and subsequentlydetermining, based at least in part on the received set of parametervalues and the base value, the device valuation.

In some embodiments, a valuation may be provided with respect to adifference between the parameter values and expected values for the sameor a different electronic device. The valuation may represent a value ofupgrading to a newer version of the electronic device or replacing theelectronic device. In some embodiments, the valuation may be compared toa valuation generated for the electronic device to determine that theelectronic device should be upgraded or replaced.

These and other embodiments of the invention are described in furtherdetail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative example of a system or architecture inwhich techniques for implementing a device valuation functionality on anelectronic device may be implemented;

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative example of a service computer capable ofproviding backend support for a device valuation platform in accordancewith at least some embodiments;

FIG. 3 depicts a process flow for collecting parameter values andgenerating a valuation for an electronic device in accordance with atleast some embodiments;

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative example of a user interaction inaccordance with at least some embodiments;

FIG. 5 depicts a process for executing a functionality assessment withrespect to an electronic device in accordance with at least someembodiments;

FIG. 6 depicts a process for applying one or more valuation techniquesto a set of performance metrics in accordance with at least someembodiments;

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative example process in which a productlisting is generated for a device 102 in an electronic marketplace inaccordance with at least some embodiments; and

FIG. 8 depicts aspects of elements that may be present in a computerdevice and/or system configured to implement a method and/or process inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, various embodiments will be described. Forpurposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are setforth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments.However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that theembodiments may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore,well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscurethe embodiment being described.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems, methods,apparatuses, and computer readable media for providing a system andmethod for analyzing the hardware components and the respectiveperformance capabilities of an electronic device, and then attributing avaluation to that electronic device based upon that analysis. Thisvaluation can then be used to monetize that underlying device throughtransactions like sale or asset secured lending with little to no userintervention. In some embodiments, a resident software module may beexecuted from a device to execute a performance evaluation on theelectronic device and to analyze the electronic device's performance. Insome embodiments, model information may be obtained to understand thedevice's technical specifications and expected performance. The modelinformation may be obtained by a service computer or by the device. Insome embodiments, the model information may be used to determine a basevalue for the electronic device. Upon completion of the performanceevaluation, a valuation may be generated for the electronic device basedon the base value and the electronic device's performance with respectto its expected performance.

Prior to discussing embodiments of the invention, description of someterms may be helpful in understanding embodiments of the invention.

A “base value” may be a generalized estimation of a value of something.In some embodiments, a base value may include a generalized estimationof the value of an electronic device at a particular point in time. Forexample, a base value may be an average value associated with aparticular model of the electronic device. In another example, the basevalue may be a maximum value of an electronic device if it is in perfectcondition. In this latter example, the base value of an electronicdevice may be the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of anelectronic device during its first year being sold. In some embodiments,a base value may be calculated using one or more formulae associatedwith the electronic device.

A “device identifier” may include any suitable indicia to identify adevice. For example, a device identifier may include any series ofcharacters, numbers, graphics, symbols, or other information that may beassociated with an electronic device. Typically, a device identifier isutilized to uniquely identify the electronic device in order to initiateone or more functions remotely. For example, a network address may be anexample of a device identifier that may be used to initiate one or moreoperations to be performed by the electronic device. In this example, aninstruction to initiate the operation may be transmitted to the networkaddress.

A “device layer” may include functional software that operates at adevice level. In some embodiments, a device layer may be any executionenvironment of an electronic device configured to communicate with aservice computer of a service computer and to execute programmaticinstructions stored on the electronic device. In some embodiments,software in the device layer may be present in a secure executionenvironment such as a secure memory (e.g., smartcard-based technologyavailable in low-power devices). In some embodiments, the device layermay be present in a secure storage (e.g., secure key storage). In someenvironments, a device layer may be an execution environment remote fromthe electronic device. For example, the electronic device may be athin-client device configured to execute instructions provided as aresult of processing performed at a remote server. In some embodiments,the device layer may be a virtual instance or virtual environment in acloud-based system. For example, a performance evaluation executed froma virtual instance on a remote server may provide instructions to one ormore components of the electronic device. In this example, the remoteserver may also be configured to receive data directly from one or moreinput sensors of the electronic device.

A “device valuation” may be an estimation of the value of a specificinstance of an electronic device. For example, a device valuation maycomprise an estimation of an amount of currency for which the electronicdevice would sell in an open market. In another example, a devicevaluation may comprise an estimate of a benefit that the electronicdevice may provide over its life. In some embodiments, the devicevaluation may be provided in order to estimate a fair purchase price ofthe electronic device. In some embodiments, a device valuation mayprovide an estimation of a recovery amount for an electronic device usedas collateral to secure a credit extension. In some embodiments, thedevice valuation may include an upgrade value, or a difference in valuebetween the current device and another version of the device. In someembodiments, the device valuation may be measured in units other thancurrency. In some embodiments, a device valuation may comprise anestimation of value with respect to another good or service (e.g.,another electronic device). For example, one particular electronicdevice may be worth two of a different electronic device.

An “electronic marketplace” may be any virtual environment from whichone or more products (goods and/or services) may be obtained. Anelectronic marketplace may comprise a website or other online presencemaintained by a marketplace operator. In some embodiments, products thatmay be obtained from the electronic marketplace may be listed, orotherwise made available, via the electronic marketplace by one or morethird party entities (entities unaffiliated with the marketplaceoperator). In some embodiments, an electronic marketplace may include asearchable database (or catalog) of product listings.

A “functionality assessment module” may be any set of instructionsconfigured to, when executed by a processor, cause a performanceevaluation for an electronic device to be initiated. For example, thefunctionality assessment module may be a software module stored on, andexecuted from, an execution environment of the electronic device. Inthis example, the functionality assessment module may cause one or morefunctions of the electronic device to be executed. Before, after, and/orduring the execution of the one or more functions of the electronicdevice, the functionality assessment module may also cause one or moreinput sensors to collect data regarding the execution of the one or morefunctions of the electronic device. The functionality assessment modulemay be configured to analyze or otherwise process the collected data. Insome embodiments, the functionality assessment module may compriseinstructions implemented on an integrated circuit such as anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip or afield-programmable gate array (FPGA). In some embodiments, thefunctionality assessment module may comprise instructions implemented ona microcontroller or system on chip (SoC).

An “electronic device” may be any type of device operates usingelectricity. In some embodiments, the electronic device may have aprimary function, or a function that most closely aligns with theelectronic device's purpose. In some embodiments, the electronic devicemay have one or more secondary functions (functions other than thedevice's primary function). The electronic device may operate usinginstructions executed from a device layer.

“Model information” may include any information related to theparticular instance of the electronic device. For example, the modelinformation may include a model number or identifier, a year produced, aversion, a base value of the electronic device, an original price (e.g.,a retail price) of the electronic device, or any other suitableinformation that may be used to identify a specific type of theelectronic device. In some embodiments, the model information may alsoinclude an age of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the modelinformation may include an indication of any upgrades or othermodifications made to the electronic device.

A “parameter value” may be any suitable value associated with aparameter of the execution of a performance evaluation on an electronicdevice. For example, upon the electronic device's execution of aperformance evaluation, input sensors on the electronic device maycollect input related to one or more executed functions. A parametervalue may then be determined from the collected input by measuring aresponse of the electronic device during the execution of the function.In some embodiments, the parameter value may represent a level orintensity of an input detected over a period of time. In someembodiments, the parameter value may comprise a time for the electronicdevice to complete a particular function or task. By way ofillustration, if a performance evaluation is being conducted on a waterheater, a thermometer may be used to collect temperature information onwater being heated by the water heater. In this example, a parametervalue may represent the amount of time that the water heater takes toheat a full tank of water to a particular temperature. Another parametervalue may represent the amount of energy expended by the water heaterover a specified period of time to maintain a particular temperature. Byway of a second illustration, if a performance evaluation is beingconducted on an audio speaker, a microphone (input sensor) may be usedcollect information on sound output by the audio speaker. In thisexample, the parameter value may represent the collected audioinformation. In some embodiments, collected parameter values may becompared to expected values to determine a delta (e.g., an amount ofvariance). Further to this example, if a note at 8 decibels was expectedfrom the audio speaker and a note at 6 decibels was detected, then theservice computer may identify a delta of −2. In some embodiments, aparameter value may be an array, or series, of values.

A “performance evaluation” may be any operation that may assess thecapabilities of an electronic device. For example, a performanceevaluation may comprise the execution of one or more functions of anelectronic device while collecting input related to the execution ofthat function. For example, the electronic device may execute a functionwhile timing the execution of the function. In another example, theperformance evaluation may comprise an execution of a function whilecollecting information on the amount of a resource consumed during theexecution of the function. By way of non-limiting illustrative example,a performance evaluation may include determining a speed of a centralprocessing unit (CPU) by performing operations to benchmark the CPU'sperformance against known and expected speeds; playing a sound throughthe electronic device's speaker system and using the electronic device'smicrophone to detect the sound in order to gauge its volume and clarity(to determine if the speakers of the electronic device are functioningor are “blown out”); testing an electronic device's ability to vibrate(in the example of a phone) by measuring the vibrations via an internalaccelerometer; measuring the internal temperature of said device againstthe “set” temperature to ensure that the device is properly cooling ormeasuring the time it takes for the electronic device to reach the settemperature; and performing an on-board diagnostic system (OBD-II)diagnostic query on an accessible/addressable vehicle component. Theperformance evaluation itself may be device-specific, in that theparameters measured depend upon the type of electronic device beingevaluated and its features/capabilities.

A “product listing” may be any listing of goods and/or services. In somecases, the goods and/or services may be available from a marketplace.The marketplace may comprise an electronic marketplace or a physicalretail store. For example a product listing may comprise a catalog ofgoods currently being offered for sale on a retail website. A productlisting may include various pieces of information related to a productto which the product listing is associated. For example, the productlisting may include a picture of the product (or a stock image of theproduct), a description of the product, various specifications relatedto the product, a price at which the product is being offered, or anyother suitable product-related information. In some embodiments, aproduct listing may comprise a network document (e.g., a website) thatincludes information related to a particular product. Such a networkdocument may be stored in a directory maintained by a marketplaceoperator.

A “service layer” may be any suitable software module that operates at aservice level. It may be present in an execution environment of aservice computer configured to communicate with a device layer of anelectronic device and can provide programmatic instructions to theelectronic device. The service layer may be configured to receive a setof parameter values from the electronic device in response to initiatinga performance evaluation. The service layer may be configured togenerate a valuation in some embodiments of the invention.

A “service computer” or “service computer” may include any systemassociated with an entity that provides a resource or service. In someembodiments, the service computer may handle functionality of a computerapplication associated with the entity that provides the resource orservice. The service computer may provide any suitable service. Forexample, the service computer may be a merchant, a utility company, apayment processing network, a wallet provider, a merchant, a websiteoperator, or a bank.

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative example of a system or architecture 100in which techniques for implementing a device valuation functionality onan electronic device may be implemented. In architecture 100, anelectronic device may include a device 102 configured to execute one ormore functions of the electronic device. The depicted system may alsoinclude a service computer 104 in communication with the device 102 viaone or more networks 106.

In some embodiments, the device 102 may be a machine that has includedwithin it, the components 108, 110, 112, and 114 (which are described indetail below). For example, the device 102 may be a smart refrigeratorthat has included within its housing, processors 108, input sensors 110,output devices 112, and memories 114. In other embodiments, thecomponents 108, 110, 112, 114 may reside outside of a housing of aparticular machine such as an ordinary refrigerator that does not havesmart functions or a processor. In such embodiments, the ordinaryrefrigerator and the processor 108, input sensors 110, output device112, and memories 114 may still be considered a single device, even ifthe components of the device do not reside within a single housing.

The device 102 may include one or more processors 108 capable ofprocessing user input. The device 102 may also include one or more inputsensors 110 for receiving user input. As is known in the art, there area variety of input sensors 110 capable of detecting user input, such askeyboards, mice, accelerometers, cameras, microphones, etc. The userinput obtained by the input sensors may be from a variety of data inputtypes, including, but not limited to, audio data, visual data, orbiometric data. The device 102 may include an output device 112configured to convey information to one or more users of the electronicdevice. An output device may comprise a speaker, a display device, orany other suitable means of communicating data to a user. Embodiments ofthe application on the device 102 may be stored and executed from itsmemory 114.

Turning to the contents of the memory 114 in more detail, the memory 114may include a function execution module 116 configured to execute theelectronic device's primary function. The memory 114 may also include afunctionality assessment module 118 that is capable (in conjunction withthe processor 108) of determining one or more parameter values to beassociated with the electronic device. Although sample architecture 100depicts a functionality assessment module 118 as being included in thecontents of the memory 114 of the device 102, some embodiments may notinclude a functionality assessment module 118 in memory 114 of thedevice 102. In those embodiments in which the functionality assessmentmodule 118 is not included in memory 114, the device 102 may be incommunication with a functionality assessment module 118 executed fromthe service computer 104. For example, the device 102 may be incommunication with the service computer 104, and may provide feedback tothe service computer operating the service computer 104 in response toreceiving instructions. In this example, the service computer 104 maycommunicate with the device 102 to execute the functionality assessmentmodule 118 remotely.

In some embodiments, the function execution module 116 may be configuredto initiate and/or execute a function of an electronic device. Forexample, the function execution module 116 may be configured to receiveinput from a user via the input sensors 110 and initiate a functionspecified in the received input. In some embodiments, the electronicdevice may be configured to perform one or more functions automatically.In some cases, the electronic device may not include a functionexecution module 116. By way of illustrative example, a refrigerator (anelectronic device) may be configured to maintain a temperature (thefunction of the electronic device) without the use of a software module.In this example, the refrigerator may not include a function executionmodule.

In some embodiments, the functionality assessment module 118 may beconfigured to collect one or more parameter values associated with afunction of the electronic device. Upon receiving an activation signal,the functionality assessment module 118 may comprise code for collectinginput information from one or more input sensors. The input informationmay include data related to one or more parameter values associated witha function of the electronic device. In some embodiments, parametervalues may be compared to threshold parameter values to determine one ormore offset values. In some embodiments, the functionality assessmentmodule 118 may comprise code for receiving an activation signal from theservice computer 104. In some embodiments, the functionality assessmentmodule 118 may comprise code for receiving an activation signal from auser device 120. In some embodiments, the collected parameter values maybe provided to the service computer 104 for processing.

In some examples, the network(s) 106 may include any one or acombination of many different types of networks, such as cable networks,the Internet, wireless networks, cellular networks, and other privateand/or public networks. In addition, the networks 106 may comprisemultiple different networks. For example, the device 102 may utilize awireless local area network (WLAN) to communicate with a wirelessrouter, which may then route the communication over a public network(e.g., the Internet) to the service computer 104.

In accordance with at least some embodiments, the device 102 and/or theservice computer 104 may be in communication with a user device 120. Theuser device 120 may enable a user to interact with either a device layerassociated with the device 102 or a service layer associated with theservice computer 104. For example, the user device 120 may be utilizedto initiate the function execution module 116 and/or the functionalityassessment module 118. The user device 120 may be any type of computingdevice such as, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a smart phone, apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, a desktop computer,a server computer, a thin-client device, a tablet PC, etc. Additionally,user device 120 may be any type of wearable technology device, such as awatch, earpiece, glasses, etc. The user device 120 may include one ormore processors capable of processing user input. The user device 120may also include one or more input sensors for receiving user input.

For simplicity of illustration, a certain number of components are shownin FIG. 1. It is understood, however, that embodiments of the inventionmay include more than one of each component. In addition, someembodiments of the invention may include fewer than or greater than allof the components shown in FIG. 1. In addition, the components in FIG. 1may communicate via any suitable communication medium (including theinternet), using any suitable communications protocol.

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative example of a service computer 104 capableof providing backend support for a device valuation platform inaccordance with at least some embodiments.

The service computer may be any type of computing device including aremotely located server computer. Additionally, it should be noted thatin some embodiments, the service computer 104 may be embodied by onemore virtual machines implemented in a hosted computing environment. Thehosted computing environment may include one or more rapidly provisionedand released computing resources, which computing resources may includecomputing, networking, and/or storage devices. A hosted computingenvironment may also be referred to as a cloud-computing environment.

In one illustrative configuration, the service computer 104 may includeat least one memory 202 and one or more processing units (orprocessor(s)) 204. The processor(s) 204 may be implemented asappropriate in hardware, computer-executable instructions, firmware orcombinations thereof. Computer-executable instruction or firmwareembodiments of the processor(s) 204 may include computer-executable ormachine executable instructions written in any suitable programminglanguage to perform the various functions described.

The memory 202 may store program instructions that are loadable andexecutable on the processor(s) 204, as well as data generated during theexecution of these programs. Depending on the configuration and type ofservice computer 104, the memory 202 may be volatile (such as randomaccess memory (RAM)) and/or non-volatile (such as read-only memory(ROM), flash memory, etc.). The service computer 104 may also includeadditional storage 206, such as either removable storage ornon-removable storage including, but not limited to, magnetic storage,optical disks, and/or tape storage. The disk drives and their associatedcomputer-readable media may provide non-volatile storage ofcomputer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, andother data for the computing devices. In some embodiments, the memory202 may include multiple different types of memory, such as staticrandom access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or ROM.Turning to the contents of the memory 202 in more detail, the memory 202may include an operating system 208 and one or more application programsor services for implementing the features disclosed herein including atleast a module for determining a value associated with an electronicdevice (valuation module 210). The memory 202 may also include valuationdata 212, which provides data associated with one or more valuationtechniques.

The memory 202 and the additional storage 206, both removable andnon-removable, are examples of computer-readable storage media. Forexample, computer-readable storage media may include volatile ornon-volatile, removable or non-removable media implemented in any methodor technology for storage of information such as computer-readableinstructions, data structures, program modules or other data. As usedherein, modules may refer to programming modules executed by computingsystems (e.g., processors) that are part of the user device 102 or theservice computer 104. The service computer 104 may also containcommunications connection(s) 214 that allow the service computer 104 tocommunicate with a stored database, another computing device or server,user terminals, and/or other devices on the network(s) 106. The servicecomputer 104 may also include input/output (I/O) device(s) and/or ports216, such as for enabling connection with a keyboard, a mouse, a pen, avoice input device, a touch input device, a display, speakers, aprinter, etc.

Turning to the contents of the memory 202 in more detail, the memory 202may include an operating system 208. A database containing valuationdata 212 is shown and may also be incorporated into the memory 202 or adifferent memory. One or more application programs or services forimplementing the features disclosed herein, including a valuation module210, may also be stored in the memory 202. The valuation data 212 maycomprise any suitable persistent data storage system. In someembodiments, the valuation data 212 may be stored in a database.Valuation information stored in the valuation database 212 may beaccessed by the valuation module 210 via a database query or any othersuitable data retrieval means.

In some embodiments, the valuation module 210 may, in conjunction withthe processor 204, be configured to identify one or more valuationtechniques associated with an electronic device and provide a valuationfor the electronic device. In some embodiments, the valuation techniquesmay be identified based at least in part on a type of electronic devicefor which the valuation is being provided. In some embodiments, avaluation technique may be identified based on a third party entity (anentity unaffiliated with the electronic device and the service computer)for which the valuation is being provided. For example, if theelectronic device will serve as collateral for a loan, then thevaluation technique to be used may be identified by a loan officer. Inanother example, a third party entity may maintain a set of values for adevice. For example, a third party entity may identify multiple valuesthat may be associated with an electronic device based on a condition ofthe electronic device.

Upon identifying a valuation technique to be used for the electronicdevice, the valuation module 210 may comprise code for receiving one ormore parameter values provided by a functionality assessment module 118executed on the electronic device. Upon receiving the one or moreparameter values, the valuation module 210 may, in conjunction with theprocessor 204, determine a value for the electronic device using theidentified valuation technique, the received parameter values, and modelinformation associated with the electronic device.

In some embodiments, a number of valuation techniques may be availableto the valuation module 210. The valuation techniques available mayinclude formulas, tables, references to electronic marketplaces, or anyother suitable technique for assessing the value of a device. Forexample, the service computer 104 may maintain a formula to be used tovalue a particular electronic device. In some embodiments, each brandand/or model of the electronic device may be valued according to adifferent formula. In this example, variables in the formula may bereplaced by the received parameter values in order to calculate thevalue of the electronic device. In another example, the service computermay maintain a table of values, where a condition of the electronicdevice (estimated based on the received parameter values) is associatedwith a particular value. In yet another example, the service computer104 may maintain a link to an electronic marketplace. In this example,the service computer may identify the last sale price of an electronicdevice with similar parameter values as the value of the device.

In some embodiments, parameter values may be provided to the valuationmodule by the electronic device to be evaluated. Parameter values may becollected using input sensors attached to the electronic device. Theparameter values to be received may be defined in instructions includedwith the performance evaluation. For example, instructions forperforming the performance evaluation may include an indication offunctions to be executed as well as input sensors to be activated andvalues to be collected from those input sensors during execution of thefunctions. In this example, the parameter values may be associated witha performance of the electronic device.

In some embodiments, model information associated with the electronicdevice may be stored at the service computer 104 (e.g., in valuationdata 212). The model information may include a base value, instructionsfor the performance evaluation, and/or expected parameter valuesassociated with the electronic device to be valued. For example, eachbrand, model, and version of the electronic device may have a separatebase value, performance evaluation, and set of expected parameter valuesassociated with it.

In some embodiments, the valuation data 212 may comprise valuationinformation to be associated with various electronic devices. In someembodiments, the valuation data may comprise one or more formulae to beassociated with the electronic device. For example, the valuation datamay include a formula that may be used to calculate a maximum value fora particular brand and model of an electronic device. The formula maytake, as input, one or more variables representing an age of theelectronic device, a condition of the electronic device, one or moreparameter values for the electronic device, and/or any other suitabledata.

FIG. 3 depicts a process flow for collecting parameter values andgenerating a valuation for an electronic device in accordance with atleast some embodiments. FIG. 3 depicts interactions between a device102, a service computer 104, and a user device 120. Each of the device102, the service computer 104 and the user device 120 are describedabove in FIG. 1.

In FIG. 3, a request may be initiated at 302. In some embodiments, therequest may be initiated by a user device 120. In some embodiments, therequest may be initiated by the service computer 104. In someembodiments, the service computer 104 may receive an indication of thedevice for which a valuation is to be generated. At 304, the servicecomputer 302 may perform a device discovery process to identify theindicated device. In some embodiments, the indicated device may belocated at an internet protocol (IP) address. Once the device has beendiscovered, the service computer 104 may connect to the device at 306.

Once connected, the service computer 104 may cause the device 102 toinitiate a performance evaluation of the device at 308. In someembodiments, the initiation of a performance evaluation may activate oneor more input sensors capable of collecting data metrics from the device102. The data metrics may be related to the functionality of the device102. For example, the performance evaluation may collect information onhow well the device 102 performs one or more functions. The device 102may collect data metrics at 310. In some embodiments, the device 102 mayprovide the data metrics to the service computer 104 at 312 as a set ofparameter values.

The service computer 104 may obtain device-specific values at 314. Forexample, the service computer 104 may query a valuation database toidentify a set of expected values (e.g., values that would be expectedfrom a fully functional version of the electronic device). In someembodiments, the service computer 104 may also obtain a valuationtechnique for the device. For example, the service computer may obtain aformula for assessing a base value for the device. In some embodiments,the service computer 104 may maintain a table of potential values,wherein entries within the table may be organized by condition, age, orany other suitable factor. In some embodiments, the base value may be amaximum value, an average value, or a minimum value for the device. Insome embodiments, the service computer 104 may maintain a depreciationfunction and an expected useful life for the device that may be used tocalculate a base value. For example, the device may be associated with alinear depreciation function with respect to time and may be given aspecified useful life. In this example, a valuation for the device maybe calculated as

V _(B)=([U−t]/U)*V _(I)

In this example, V_(B) is the current base value of the device, V_(I) isthe initial value of the device (the value when new), U is the usefullife of the device, and t is the age of the device. In some embodiments,the depreciation function may be tied to one or more accountingprinciples used to assess a value for the device. For example, thedepreciation function may be determined based on an accounting principlemaintained in a Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) or anAmerican Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Statement ofPosition (SOP).

In some embodiments, the service computer 104 may maintain one or morevaluation techniques determined using a machine learning algorithm,including algorithms that use workforce auditing (such as crowdsourcingplatforms). In these embodiments, one or more machine learning and/orpattern recognition techniques may be used to identify a formula that isbest able to predict a value of the device. For example, one or moremachine learning algorithms may be trained on past valuation data for adevice. In this example, if the device is sold, the actual sale pricedata for the device may be used to provide feedback for the machinelearning algorithms.

In some embodiments, the service computer 104 may compare the set ofparameter values provided by the device 102 to those of the obtaineddevice-specific values at 316. In some embodiments, the service computer104 may generate a valuation for the device at 318. For example, theservice computer 104 may identify a base value for the device and adjustthe value based on the difference between the set of parameter valuesand the device-specific values. The adjusted value may be returned tothe user device at 320 and subsequently displayed by the user device 120at 322.

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative example of a user interaction inaccordance with at least some embodiments. FIG. 4 depicts an instance ofa web browser 402 utilized to access a device valuation platform. Insome embodiments, a user may access information provided by a servicecomputer via the web browser 402. In some embodiments, the servicecomputer may maintain a plurality of user accounts associated with aplurality of users. In some embodiments, a user account may be accessedusing a username and/or password.

In some embodiments, a user account may be associated with one or moreelectronic devices. In some embodiments, the service computer maymaintain one or more model information 404 associated with an electronicdevice. In some embodiments, the model information 404 may be providedby a user via the web browser 402. In some embodiments, the servicecomputer may store a device identifier 406 in association with theelectronic device. For example, a device identifier may be a networkaddress, a phone number, a serial number, or any other suitable means ofidentifying/locating the electronic device. In some embodiments, thedevice identifier 406 may be provided by a user via the web browser 402.The service computer may initiate a performance evaluation of theelectronic device using the device identifier 406. For example, theservice computer may transmit an instruction to initiate a performanceevaluation to a specified network address.

In some embodiments, the service computer may maintain a set ofdevice-specific parameters 408. In some embodiments, the device-specificparameters may be stored with respect to a type of device. For example,each electronic device may be associated with a category of item, whichmay subsequently be associated with a set of device-specific parameters.In some embodiments, a device may belong to multiple categories. In someembodiments, a device may belong to a sub-category, which may beassociated with additional device-specific parameters. A sub-categorymay inherit each of the device-specific parameters of its parentcategory as well as one or more additional parameters. For example, aparticular model of laptop computer may belong to a “laptop” category,which may be a sub-category of a “computer” category. In the providedexample, the laptop category may include each of the device-specificparameters included in the computer category as well as one or moreparameters related to a screen display.

In some embodiments, the service computer may maintain one or more“expected” or average values 410 for each of the set of device-specificparameters with respect to a particular model of the electronic device.In addition, the service computer may receive a set of parameter values412 from the electronic device itself. The set of parameter values 412may be received from the electronic device in response to initiating aperformance evaluation. In some embodiments, the average values 410 maybe calculated from a number of parameter values received by the servicecomputer over multiple tests. In some embodiments, the average values410 may be provided by a third party entity (an entity unaffiliated withthe service computer). For example, the average values may be providedby a manufacturer of the electronic device.

Upon receiving a set of parameter values from the electronic device, theservice computer may identify a base value 414 for that model of theelectronic device. The base value 414 may then be used to generate avaluation 416 of the electronic device by being adjusted to account forthe differences in functionality exhibited during the performanceevaluation. In some embodiments, the base value may be adjusted upwardsor downwards based on the parameter values provided by the performanceevaluation to generate a valuation. In some embodiments, the base valuemay act as a maximum value, such that it may only be adjusted downwardsto generate a valuation of the device. The valuation 416 of theelectronic device may be generated from the base value 414 using anumber of techniques. The service computer may maintain a valuationformula to be used with respect to the particular model or categoryassociated with the electronic device. In some embodiments, the servicecomputer may assign various weights to each device-specific parameter inthe set of device-specific parameters.

In some embodiments, the service computer may maintain a table of basevalues. For example, a table may comprise columns representing an age ofthe device and rows representing a condition of the device. The servicecomputer may identify a condition of the electronic device from theprovided parameter values and identify a base value based on the age ofthe electronic device. Although this specific illustration is describedwith respect to a table of base values, a table which includes othercolumn and row values should be considered an equivalent. For example, atable may be maintained with estimated values for devices in“Excellent,” “Very Good,” “Good,” “Fair” or “Poor” conditions. In thisexample, the service computer may determine which condition theelectronic device is in based on the received parameter values andassign the corresponding value to the electronic device.

By way of illustrative example, consider the scenario in which theelectronic device is a refrigerator. In this example, the servicecomputer may maintain a set of device-specific parameters for thecategory “refrigerators.” The service computer may also maintain a setof average values for the specific model of refrigerator in thescenario, wherein each of the average values corresponds to adevice-specific parameter. In this illustrative example, therefrigerator for which the valuation is being provided may provide a setof parameter values that result from a performance evaluation run on therefrigerator. Each of the provided parameter values may also correspondto the device-specific parameters. The service computer may compare eachof the parameter values to its corresponding average value to determinewhether the refrigerator is functioning at a level above or below thatof an average refrigerator of that same model. The service computer maythen identify a base value for that model of the refrigerator (a valueassociated with an average refrigerator of that model). The servicecomputer may subsequently adjust the base value to account for thedifferences in functionality exhibited during the performanceevaluation. The adjusted base value may then be presented as a valuationfor the particular refrigerator.

FIG. 5 depicts a process for executing a functionality assessment withrespect to an electronic device in accordance with at least someembodiments. The process 500 is illustrated as a logical flow diagram,each operation of which represents a sequence of operations that can beimplemented in hardware, computer instructions, or a combinationthereof. In the context of computer instructions, the operationsrepresent computer-executable instructions stored on one or morecomputer-readable storage media that, when executed by one or moreprocessors, perform the recited operations. Generally,computer-executable instructions include routines, programs, objects,components, data structures, and the like that perform particularfunctions or implement particular data types. The order in which theoperations are described is not intended to be construed as alimitation, and any number of the described operations can be omitted orcombined in any order and/or in parallel to implement this process andany other processes described herein.

Some or all of the process 500 (or any other processes described herein,or variations and/or combinations thereof) may be performed under thecontrol of one or more computer systems configured with executableinstructions and may be implemented as code (e.g., executableinstructions, one or more computer programs or one or moreapplications). In accordance with at least one embodiment, the process500 of FIG. 5 may be performed by at least the device 102 depicted inFIG. 1. The code may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium,for example, in the form of a computer program including a plurality ofinstructions executable by one or more processors. The computer-readablestorage medium may be non-transitory.

Process 500 may begin at 502, when an instruction is received by adevice to initiate a performance evaluation. In some embodiments,instructions for executing the performance evaluation may be stored in amemory of the device. In some embodiments, the performance evaluationmay be carried out by a functionality assessment module implemented onthe electronic device, as described with respect to FIG. 1 above. Thefunctionality assessment module on the device may be executed at 504.

In accordance with the performance evaluation, the functionalityassessment module may initiate one or more primary functions to assess aparameter value associated with the function at 506. The performanceevaluation may specify a number of actions to be performed. For example,the performance evaluation may specify an order in which particularfunctions should be tested, a time period over which a function is to betested, an intensity or level of power at which to test a function, orany other suitable functionality testing criteria.

Upon executing the performance evaluation, one or more input sensors maybe used to collect input from the electronic device. The input collectedmay be used to generate a set of parameter values at 508. The set ofparameter values to be generated may be specified in instructions storedin the memory of the electronic device. For example, input may becollected by an input sensor. In this example, the input collected maybe translated into a data value and stored as a parameter value. Once aset of parameter values has been generated, the set of parameter valuesmay be provided to the initiator of the request at 510.

In some embodiments, the process 500 may be performed without humanintervention. For example, the performance evaluation may not requirethat a user of the electronic device be present or take any action. Insome embodiments, the performance evaluation may be initiated remotelyby a service computer. In some embodiments, the performance evaluationmay be initiated on a periodic basis. In some embodiments, theperformance evaluation may be initiated on specified dates.

FIG. 6 depicts a process for applying one or more valuation techniquesto a set of performance metrics in accordance with at least someembodiments. Some or all of the process 600 (or any other processesdescribed herein, or variations and/or combinations thereof) may beperformed under the control of one or more computer systems configuredwith executable instructions and may be implemented as code (e.g.,executable instructions, one or more computer programs or one or moreapplications). In accordance with at least one embodiment, the process600 of FIG. 6 may be performed by at least the service computer 104depicted in FIG. 1. The code may be stored on a computer-readablestorage medium, for example, in the form of a computer program includinga plurality of instructions executable by one or more processors. Thecomputer-readable storage medium may be non-transitory.

Process 600 may begin at 602, when parameter values are received from anelectronic device. In some embodiments, the service computer may obtainadditional information related to the electronic device at 604. Forexample, the service computer may determine an age of the electronicdevice. In another example, the service computer may identify one ormore upgrades, add-ons, or additional features. In some embodiments, theservice computer may identify a value associated with each of theidentified additional information.

In some embodiments, the service computer may obtain model informationassociated with the electronic device at 606. The model information mayinclude an indication of a model number or identifier, a year produced,a version, or any other suitable information that may be used toidentify a specific type of the electronic device. The model informationmay also include a method of generating a base value for the electronicdevice. For example, the model information may include a formula to beused in calculating a base value for the electronic device. The servicecomputer may generate a base value for the electronic device based onthe model information. The model information may also includemodel-specific specification values. For example, the model informationmay include a number of expected values associated with variousfunctionalities of the electronic device.

At 608, the service computer may compare the specification valuesincluded in the model information to the received parameter values. Theservice computer may calculate a value adjustment based on a differencebetween the received parameter values and the identified specificationvalues. The service computer may then generate a device valuation at610. In some embodiments, the device valuation may be generated byadding the adjustment value to the determined base value. In someembodiments, the service computer may provide the device valuation touser at 612.

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative example process in which a productlisting is generated for a device 102 in an electronic marketplace inaccordance with at least some embodiments. In some embodiments, theexample process may be initiated by a user 702 via a mobile device 704.The mobile device 704 may be in communication with the device 102 and/ora service computer 104. The mobile device 704 may initiate the processvia a web browser, mobile application, or any other suitable softwaremodule. In some embodiments, the example process may be initiatedwithout the use of a mobile device. For example, the device 102 may havea button or other activation mechanism that, when activated, causes thedevice 102 to initiate the process described. In some embodiments, theprocess may result in the device 102 being offered for sale on one ormore electronic marketplaces without further user intervention.

Upon receiving a request from the mobile device, the service computer104 may cause an initiation of a performance evaluation of the device102. The service computer 104 may send instructions 706 to the device102 to initiate the performance evaluation. Upon execution of theperformance evaluation as described above, the device 102 may collect aset of parameter values 708 which it may provide to the service computer104. Upon receiving the set of parameter values 708, the servicecomputer may query a database of model information 710 in order toidentify device specifications (or expected parameter values) for thedevice 102. The service computer 104 may determine a valuation for thedevice 102 based on the identified specifications and the received setof parameter values 708. In some embodiments, the service computer 104may query the model information 710 for an image of the device 102(e.g., a stock photo).

The service computer 104 may be in communication with an electronicmarketplace 712 or a marketplace operator operating an electronicmarketplace 712. The electronic marketplace 712 may comprise a number ofproduct listings 714, each associated with a different device. In someembodiments, the electronic marketplace 714 may be dedicated to aparticular type of device. In some embodiments, the valuation generatedby the service computer 104 may be generated based on similar deviceslisted in the set of product listings 714. In some embodiments, theservice computer may be owned and/or operated by a marketplace operator.

The service computer 104 may generate a product listing formatted inaccordance with the set of product listings 714 maintained by theelectronic marketplace 712. The generated product listing may include animage of the device 102, a description related to the device 102, one ormore of the parameter values 708, and/or any suitable device-relatedinformation. The product listing may include a price based on thedetermined device valuation. The product listing for the device 102 maybe generated without user interaction.

In some embodiments, upon creation of the product listing, the servicecomputer 104 may provide the product listing to the electronicmarketplace 712 to be added to the set of product listings 714. In someembodiments, upon creation of the product listing, the service computer104 may provide the product listing to the user device 704 for approvalprior to adding the product listing to the set of product listings 714.

By way of illustrative example, consider a scenario in which a userwishes to sell his digital camera (device 102). In this scenario, theuser may indicate to the service computer that the camera is to be soldon a particular electronic marketplace. The service computer mayestablish a communication session with the camera and provideinstructions for executing a performance evaluation. Upon receivingthese instructions, the camera may initiate one or more of its functionsand collect data on the performance of those functions. The collecteddata related to the performance of the camera's functions may then beprovided to the service computer as a set of parameter values. Once theservice computer has received the set of parameter values from thecamera, the service computer may generate a valuation for the camerabased on the parameter values and model information related to thecamera. The service computer may then generate a product listing for thecamera that is formatted based on specifications of the particularelectronic marketplace that the user wishes to sell the camera on. Oncethe product listing has been generated, it may be added as a listing tothe electronic marketplace. In this way, the user need only initiate theprocess and his camera will be offered for sale without any furtherinteraction on his part.

Although FIG. 7 depicts an example in which a performance evaluation hasbeen performed and a device valuation has been generated, it should benoted that some embodiments of the disclosure may not include aperformance evaluation and/or the generation of a device valuation. Forexample, in some embodiments, the electronic device may be caused toprovide at least some portion of model information to the servicecomputer, with which it may query the model information database foradditional model information. In this example, the service computer maygenerate a product listing for the electronic device based on the modelinformation. In some embodiments, the product listing may be silent asto the offer price or valuation (e.g., the product listing may be listedon an auction electronic marketplace). In some embodiments, the servicecomputer may generate a product listing with an offer price thatrepresents an average price at which similar items are being sold.

In accordance with at least some embodiments, the system, apparatus,methods, processes and/or operations for valuing a device based onfunctionality metrics may be wholly or partially implemented in the formof a set of instructions executed by one or more programmed computerprocessors such as a central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor.Such processors may be incorporated in an apparatus, server, client orother computing device operated by, or in communication with, othercomponents of the system. As an example, FIG. 8 depicts aspects ofelements that may be present in a computer device and/or system 800configured to implement a method and/or process in accordance with someembodiments of the present invention. The subsystems shown in FIG. 8 areinterconnected via a system bus 802. Additional subsystems include aprinter 804, a keyboard 806, a fixed disk 808, and a monitor 810, whichis coupled to a display adapter 812. Peripherals and input/output (I/O)devices, which couple to an I/O controller 814, can be connected to thecomputer system by any number of means known in the art, such as aserial port 816. For example, the serial port 816 or an externalinterface 818 can be utilized to connect the computer device 700 tofurther devices and/or systems not shown in FIG. 8 including a wide areanetwork such as the Internet, a mouse input device, and/or a scanner.The interconnection via the system bus 802 allows one or more processors820 to communicate with each subsystem and to control the execution ofinstructions that may be stored in a system memory 822 and/or the fixeddisk 808, as well as the exchange of information between subsystems. Thesystem memory 822 and/or the fixed disk 808 may embody a tangiblecomputer-readable medium.

A computer system can include a plurality of the same components orsubsystems, e.g., connected together by external interface or by aninternal interface. In some embodiments, computer systems, subsystem, orapparatuses can communicate over a network. In such instances, onecomputer can be considered a client and another computer a server, whereeach can be part of a same computer system. A client and a server caneach include multiple systems, subsystems, or components.

Embodiments of the invention provide for a number of technicaladvantages. For example, embodiments of the invention add economicefficiency and functionality to an otherwise inefficient process andmarket. For example, users are more easily able to assess the value ofan electronic device being sold in an electronic marketplace bycomparing the electronic device to those similarly situated. Embodimentsof the invention also enable a user to cause an electronic device tooffer itself for sale on one or more electronic marketplaces withoutuser interaction. This provides an technical advantage in that users areable to acquire a fair market value for the device without unduehardship and with minimum effort on their behalf. Additionally, thisallows for a more transparent transaction, by enabling both the sellerand buyer of the electronic device to understand the capabilities of thedevice. For example, it enables a seller to offer “representations andwarranties” as to the functionality of a device, as the representationsand warranties can reflect the result of the performance test, thuseliminating the need to sell electronic assets “as is” on electroniccommerce web sites. Accordingly, purchasers of an electronic device arebetter able to assess the actual capabilities of the electronic devicewhen a performance evaluation may be performed. This is an improvementover prior art systems, in which a user is only able to ascertain aphysical condition of an electronic device to be purchased. In anotherexample, a credit agency may be more willing to extend credit that issecured using an electronic device as collateral if the functionality ofthe electronic device may be assessed remotely.

It should be understood that any of the embodiments of the presentinvention can be implemented in the form of control logic using hardware(e.g. an application specific integrated circuit or field programmablegate array) and/or using computer software with a generally programmableprocessor in a modular or integrated manner. As used herein, a processorincludes a single-core processor, multi-core processor on a sameintegrated chip, or multiple processing units on a single circuit boardor networked. Based on the disclosure and teachings provided herein, aperson of ordinary skill in the art will know and appreciate other waysand/or methods to implement embodiments of the present invention usinghardware and a combination of hardware and software.

Any of the software components or functions described in thisapplication may be implemented as software code to be executed by aprocessor using any suitable computer language such as, for example,Java, C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Swift, or scripting language such as Perlor Python using, for example, conventional or object-orientedtechniques. The software code may be stored as a series of instructionsor commands on a computer readable medium for storage and/ortransmission, suitable media include random access memory (RAM), a readonly memory (ROM), a magnetic medium such as a hard-drive or a floppydisk, or an optical medium such as a compact disk (CD) or DVD (digitalversatile disk), flash memory, and the like. The computer readablemedium may be any combination of such storage or transmission devices.

Such programs may also be encoded and transmitted using carrier signalsadapted for transmission via wired, optical, and/or wireless networksconforming to a variety of protocols, including the Internet. As such, acomputer readable medium according to an embodiment of the presentinvention may be created using a data signal encoded with such programs.Computer readable media encoded with the program code may be packagedwith a compatible device or provided separately from other devices(e.g., via Internet download). Any such computer readable medium mayreside on or within a single computer product (e.g. a hard drive, a CD,or an entire computer system), and may be present on or within differentcomputer products within a system or network. A computer system mayinclude a monitor, printer, or other suitable display for providing anyof the results mentioned herein to a user.

The above description is illustrative and is not restrictive. Manyvariations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in theart upon review of the disclosure. The scope of the invention should,therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description,but instead should be determined with reference to the pending claimsalong with their full scope or equivalents.

One or more features from any embodiment may be combined with one ormore features of any other embodiment without departing from the scopeof the invention.

A recitation of “a”, “an” or “the” is intended to mean “one or more”unless specifically indicated to the contrary.

All patents, patent applications, publications, and descriptionsmentioned above are herein incorporated by reference in their entiretyfor all purposes. None is admitted to be prior art.

1-22. (canceled)
 23. A computer-implemented method comprising:receiving, at a service provider from a device, set of parametersrelated to the device as well as an indication that the electronicdevice is to be offered for sale; querying, by the service provider, adatabase of model information to retrieve one or more specifications forthe electronic device; estimating, based on the set of parametersrelated to the device and the one or more specifications, a currentvalue for the device; generating, by the service provider, a productlisting to include at least a portion of the one or more specificationsand the current value; and posting the product listing to an electronicmarketplace.
 24. The computer-implemented method of claim 23, whereinthe set of parameters is received upon initiation of the method via amobile device.
 25. The computer-implemented method of claim 23, whereinthe set of parameters is received upon initiation of the method via abutton on the electronic device.
 26. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 23, wherein the set of parameters comprises performance metricsfor the electronic device.
 27. The computer-implemented method of claim26, wherein estimating the current value for the electronic devicecomprises comparing the performance metrics for the electronic device toexpected parameter values for the electronic device.
 28. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 23, wherein the set of parameterscomprises a device valuation generated by the electronic device.
 29. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 23, wherein thecomputer-implemented method is performed without user interaction. 30.The computer-implemented method of claim 23, wherein the estimating thecurrent value for the device is based upon values derived from productlistings for a number of similar electronic devices.
 31. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 23, wherein the set of parameterscomprises an indication of an upgrade, add-on, modification, oradditional feature made to the electronic device.
 32. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 23, wherein the current value forthe electronic device is estimated using one or more valuation formulae.33. The computer-implemented method of claim 23, further comprisingquerying the database of model information for an image of theelectronic device, wherein the product listing is generated to includethe image of the electronic device.
 34. A service provider computercomprising: a processor; and a memory including instructions that, whenexecuted with the processor, cause the service provider computer to, atleast: receive, from a device, set of parameters related to the deviceas well as an indication that the electronic device is to be offered forsale; query a database of model information to retrieve one or morespecifications for the electronic device; generate, by the serviceprovider, a product listing to include at least a portion of the one ormore specifications; and post the product listing to an electronicmarketplace.
 35. The service provider computer of claim 34, wherein theservice provider is an operator of the electronic marketplace.
 36. Theservice provider computer of claim 34, wherein the electronicmarketplace is an auction electronic marketplace.
 37. The serviceprovider computer of claim 34, wherein the database of model informationcomprises at least one of a description or an image for each of aplurality of electronic devices.
 38. The service provider computer ofclaim 34, wherein the database of model information comprises at least aset of expected parameter values for each of a plurality of electronicdevices.
 39. An electronic device comprising: a processor; and a memoryincluding instructions that, when executed with the processor, cause theelectronic device to, at least: receive an indication that theelectronic device is to be offered for sale; execute a performanceevaluation to obtain one or more parameter values; provide the one ormore parameter values to a service provider computer associated with anelectronic marketplace, the service provider computer caused to:estimate a current value for the electronic device based on the one ormore parameters; generate a product listing for the electronic device toinclude the current value; and post the product listing to theelectronic marketplace.
 40. The electronic device of claim 39, furthercomprising an activation mechanism, wherein the indication that theelectronic device is to be offered for sale is received upon activationof the activation mechanism.
 41. The electronic device of claim 40,wherein the activation mechanism is a button.
 42. The electronic deviceof claim 39, wherein the electronic device is configured to communicatewith a user device, the indication that the electronic device is to beoffered for sale being received via the user device.